Flights to the US

[khaosworks]

Are flights to the US and UK still under those new carry-on restrictions, i.e. I can't bring my laptop or my guitar along, and if so any sign of those being lifted anytime soon?

Comments

[djfanboy.livejournal.com]

From United.com:

Carry-on baggage restrictions

Passengers may not have liquids, gels or aerosols of any size at the security checkpoint or in the cabin of the aircraft. These items include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, hair spray, liquid cosmetics and other items of similar consistency. Such items may be transported in checked baggage.

Passengers may have:

* Baby formula/milk and baby food in small containers if a baby or small child is traveling.
* Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket.
* Essential other non-prescription medicines not to exceed 4 oz. (120ml) per container.
* Liquids or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. Quantities are limited to no greater than 8 oz. (240ml) per container. Syringes and pumps are acceptable.
* Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipstick in a tube, solid deodorant, lip balm and similar solids.

These approved items must be presented for inspection at the security checkpoint. Also, all types of footwear must also be screened by x-ray.

Any beverages purchased in the boarding area (beyond the security checkpoint) must be consumed before boarding, as they will not be permitted on board the aircraft.


Carry-on baggage restrictions for flights from the U.K.

Each passenger is permitted to carry one item of cabin baggage through the airport security checkpoint. The dimensions of the item must not exceed a maximum length of 45 cm, width of 35 cm and depth of 16 cm (17.7" × 13.7" × 6.2") approximately. This includes wheels, handles, side pockets, etc. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be screened by x-ray.

No liquids of any type are permitted. These include gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures, pressurized containers and aerosols. Exceptions include:

* Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)
* Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g., diabetic kit) will be verified as authentic

To help progress through security checkpoints, travelers are encouraged not to include items capable of containing liquids (for example, bottles, flasks, tubes, cans or plastic containers).

Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted, but will be screened and searched.

Tips to ease travel

* Pack lightly. Reducing clutter facilitates easier screening.
* Cooperate with security personnel at all checkpoints and gates.
* Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
* Never leave baggage or personal items unattended.

[hrrunka]

Laptops seem to go hand-carried Ok both ways, provided they fit into bags of appropriate size. Guitars (and musical instruments in general) are still a problem. The musical instrument transport situation even got a mention at the Last Night of the Proms last Saturday.

[filkerdave.livejournal.com]

I had no problem carrying my laptop TO the UK. I don't know yet about bring it back...

[daveon.livejournal.com]

Laptops, iPods etc... are all fine in the cabin, but the space you have to cram them into is pretty small.

[tarkrai.livejournal.com]

I carried a guitar 4, maybe 5 times on flights since the new restrictions went into effect. In the US, the only new restriction is on anything liquid or gel being in your carryon. So- no toothpaste, no gel-based deoderant, no shampoo, etc.

I carried guitar right through from Chicago to Dublin to Hamburg last week. Granted, Dublin isn't UK; but it's pretty bloody close... :) So, guitar is generally ok on the US side; UK might give you some headaches...

[tig-b.livejournal.com]

In Europe, the restrictions are specific to the UK with especially tight restrictions between the UK and USA.

There are hints that the situation over musical instruments might be reviewed - but this could be only for professional musicians?

[sdorn.livejournal.com]

So you're allowed to play music, but you have to stink while doing so?

[daveon.livejournal.com]

You might be ok taking the guitar to the UK, you'll not be able to take it back as cabin baggage from a main airport. There's no word on when they'll change that.

They're also limiting the hand luggage to a small laptop bag size.

[msminlr.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you need to buy an airline-proof guitar case fairly quickly.
At least, you can get quite a few extra clothing items into the nooks and crannies.

[scs-11.livejournal.com]

I flew from San Francisco today with laptop in hand; no problems with the carry-on. Didn't attempt to carry on anything else, tho.

[haloumi.livejournal.com]

Providing your laptop fits into the new (small) sized bag, that can go with you. Regarding the guitar - that's another matter.

I flew back from Poland, through Gatwick, to Edinburgh on Sunday and watched as people flying out of Gatwick were told "One piece of luggage, this big" and two people had to check their guitars into the hold.

The Heathrow and BA websites have specific wording on this - all musical instruments into the hold even if you buy them an extra seat. If it's over the new size, and it ain't people, then it sits in the hold.

There is no indication that this particular regulation is going to relax anytime soon - says the man who was searched 4 times from Kraków to Edinburgh because his Kensinton Lock cable kept looking odd in scans.

I'd buy a really, really strong guitar case that wasn't too heavy and I'd also only put a travelling guitar in there.